FIU’s med-school students healing more than bodies

Early in my professional career, I worked as a field researcher for a nutrition program in a low-income area in Atlanta. I was charged with collecting information on the fruit and vegetable consumption of local residents, and in exchange they would receive a small honorarium.

One day I arrived at the home of a single mother of two whose electricity had been disconnected because of a delinquent bill. The apartment windows were partially boarded up, and the only consistent light came through the front door. As I prepared to reschedule my visit, the mother explained that she needed the honorarium to help pay her electric bill.

We sat with the front door open and hurriedly completed the survey, racing against the sunset.

The Haitian Experience in the context of Film

Since the devastating Earthquake that shattered the beautiful Island of Haiti almost 5 years ago on January 12, 2010, this mystical Island, its people, and its Diaspora are all at a crossroad. Every aspect of its culture, its politics, and the physical land itself is on a movement to redefine its identity. While some children of Haiti and those who left back in the day sit on the sideline waiting for a change to happen, many in the Diaspora have awaken to the call and are part of a mass movement to change the face of this fascinating country. More and more, you hear of people moving back to Haiti to make an impact. Those are the positive stories . . . until you hear from the voices of the Deportees.

Ayiti Images, in partnership with the Green Family Foundation, the Latin American and Caribbean Center at FIU and the Cinema and Interactive Media Department at the University of Miami present the SCREENING OF DEPORTED. Learn more about Deportation by coming out to a screening near you, meet the co-director Rachèle Magloire and share your wisdom.

trailer DEPORTED, (english version)

About Ayiti Images

Ayiti Images is a new Florida traveling film series showcasing documentaries and narrative films about the Haitian experience. The films are diverse in its point of views ranging from issues on US deportation laws, history, Haitian identity to the Haitian Diaspora experience. The series includes panel discussions, networking and music. Collaborating with local Universities, community organization's and cultural institutions, the film screenings will take place throughout the Florida area to expose residents to a diverse conversation about Haiti.

All the films that will be screened will also be produced and directed by Haitian or Haitian American directors, which also promotes an authentic voice that is seldom heard from its own perspective.

When

SOUTH DADE Oct. 1st- 6:30pmOct. 1st - FIU (south campus) (FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Courtesy of LACC, HAITIAN TASK FORCE AND FIU HSO) CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Graduate student creates online history exhibit of Haiti

Posted by Ray Boyle 02/27/2014 at 5:06 pm

The second floor Green Library display cases currently showcase 1,800 years of history on one of the Caribbean’s most misunderstood islands. “Haiti: An Island Luminous” also shows what one FIU student can create with the right motivation.

The exhibit, on display until Feb. 28 and permanently available online, is the creation of doctoral candidate Adam Silvia MA ’09 and FIU’s Digital Library of the Caribbean director Brooke Wooldridge MA ’07. They wanted to construct a complete and functional database of Haitian history.

In 2009, Silvia – who is writing his dissertation on Haiti – came to Wooldridge with a problem. FIU’s Digital Library of the Caribbean was overflowing with information on Haiti, but needed context to be understood.

She initially challenged him to provide 40 PowerPoint slides of context, but Silvia realized that 40 slides would not be enough. So he came up with a different approach.

“The task was to take raw archival content and present it in a way that you do not have to be a historian to approach, interpret and understand it,” Silvia said.

The final product is a chronological tale of Haiti from its indigenous beginnings to the devastating earthquake of 2010.

Thank You!

Blacks in Philanthropy – South Florida Network (BPSFN) is a network of professionals employed in the field of philanthropy either within an organization or independently (as a consultant). The network consists of fundraisers, program officers, foundation professionals, marketing and communication professionals, non-profit executives, institutional advancement professionals, special event experts and philanthropists. The group was created to foster professional multi-cultural networking opportunities and facilitate interaction among its members to promote and encourage multicultural philanthropy in South Florida.

Today, BPSFN conducts several community programs that provide: 1) professional development opportunities for fundraisers from diverse backgrounds, 2) capacity building opportunities for non-profits and 3) social and professional networking opportunities. Within this framework, BPSFN partners with the AFP Miami Chapter on its diversity initiatives by conducting an annual diversity workshop for the South Florida community.

The 75+ member network also includes professionals at various institutions and non-profits around South Florida: University of Miami, Florida International University, Florida Memorial University, Barry University, Baptist Health, Camillus House, Urban League of Broward County, the United Way of Broward County, the Miami Foundation, the Community Foundation of Broward, Miami Art Museum, American Cancer Society, United Negro College Fund, Virginia Key Beach, Miami Dade College, local consultants and many more. The network is very diverse in the types of organizations represented, ethnic backgrounds and years in the profession.

Cradle Of Black Pride: Haiti, Dominican Republic And The Music In Between

Throughout Black History Month, Alt.Latino has been bringing you episodes that focus on different aspects of being black and Latino. This week's show is about one island and two countries: Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Race has played an enormous role in the island's history. Haiti is often described as a cradle of black pride in the Americas, so as we celebrate Black History Month, we want to take a minute to reflect on the country's importance.

A rousing evening of spiraling shapes, contorted lines and passionate cadences that define the deep-rooted struggles of the Haitian people was beautifully encased within the choreography created by Saintus and dramatically framed by Albert Crawford’s lighting design, producing surreal environments for the dancers to convey their passionate plea.